Helicopter used in hunt for 'dangerous dog'

4:02pm Monday 19th November 2007

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A HUNT for a 'dangerous dog' -involving police and the Lancashire Constabulary helicopter - ended when police found the animal curled up in front of a fireplace in Trawden.

Police in Burnley had been searching for the bull mastiff for some time after two reported incidents involving the animal biting people in the Daneshouse area of Burnley.

The dog went missing after police were alerted to a disturbance at a home in Brief Street, Burnley, around 9.30am on Saturday.

Two women barricaded themselves inside the bathroom at the house, with the dog inside, police said.

Officers eventually man-aged to calm the situation and seize the dog.

But when the animal was being taken to police kennels at Trawden, it managed to break free of its restraint - a dog pole - and disappeared into the surrounding countryside.

Police launched a search operation involving officers, specialist handlers and the force helicopter.

But the operation drew a blank - until a woman who had found the dog.

Insp Vicky Crorkern, of Burnley police said: "We received a call from a lady in Trawden, reporting what she described as a 'perfectly delightful' dog which she had found playing with local youngsters.

"They had been riding on its back while pulling its ears and feeding it tasty morsels.

"She said it was now curled up in front of her fire asleep.

"It was identified as the same dog and it was later taken away from the home in question."

Insp Crorkern said that the second biting incident involving the bull mastiff caused the victim severe leg injuries.

Police will now decide, after reviewing the case, to see whether the dog is deemed dangerous and then a decision will be taken on whether it should be destroyed or not.